GAO Report Finds Education Department Lax on Chronic Absenteeism Oversight
The Government Accountability Office released a report on Sept. 23 finding that the U.S. Department of Education has not adequately monitored states' chronic absenteeism data, partly due to suspension of its consolidated monitoring of ESSA implementation. The GAO warns that billions in federal funds could be at risk of waste, fraud, or abuse, though the department disputes the findings.
The GAO's findings center on the Education Department's suspension of consolidated monitoring, which previously examined state implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act. That law distributes more than $25 billion annually in federal K-12 funding, including Title I grants. The report also notes significant staffing reductions in the department's oversight divisions.
Chronic absenteeism affects roughly one-quarter of students, defined as missing at least 10 percent of school days. Thirty-six states incorporate this metric into accountability systems, while all states must report the data publicly. The department's assistant secretary disputed the conclusions, arguing the report overlooked other monitoring activities conducted over the past seven years.
This report could influence how Congress views federal education oversight during a period of significant administrative transition. If lawmakers act on the GAO's findings, states may face stricter reporting requirements or renewed federal monitoring, potentially altering how schools address chronic absenteeism. Families and educators could benefit from more reliable data, while districts might face additional compliance burdens. The dispute between the GAO and the department suggests ongoing tension over federal accountability that could shape future education policy debates.